CLADDING CONCERNS
Checks to be made at primary before term starts
Investigations are being carried out at a Larkhall primary school – with questions over the safety of its cladding.
Glengowan Primary’s building was found to have been fitted with aluminium composite panels during checks ordered by the Scottish Government in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
South Lanarkshire Council have stressed the school’s panels are not the same as the material used at the London high-rise block but have vowed to carry out a series of stringent checks. Engineering consultants and specialist officers from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will carry out assessments at the building before pupils return from the summer holidays.
Glengowan was the only school in the local authority area identified as having the panels.
An investigation into panels used at Glengowan Primary School has been welcomed.
South Lanarkshire Council are leading a string of checks after the Larkhall building was found to have been fitted with aluminium composite panels.
The find comes after the Scottish Government wrote to local authorities urging them to carry out reviews in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
However the local authority insist the panels are not the same as those used at the London tower.
Danny Lowe, SLC’S executive director of Housing and Technical Services Resources, said: “I can confirm that one school in the council’s entire schools estate has been fitted with aluminium composite panels. However, this is not the same product as that used at Grenfell Tower.
“The panels at Glengowan Primary School in Larkhall have technical approval from the British Board of Agreement. The school, a low-rise building, is also fitted with sprinklers and a fire alarm system. A building warrant received for Glengowan Primary School shows that it meets all relevant construction and safety standards.”
He continued: “As a further precaution, the council is seeking independent verification of the safety of the school from a firm of fire engineering consultants. It is not considered that these panels present any particular safety concerns, but we will be working further with these consultants to provide absolute assurance that this is the case.
“We are also requesting that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service visit the school to provide their own fire safety assessment. In the unlikely event that any further action needs to be taken to guarantee the safety of the school, it will of course be taken.
“While we continue to have confidence that our buildings meet stringent building and fire safety regulations, these actions demonstrate that the council understands that there is no room for complacency when it comes to fire safety.”
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that specialist officers will work with the council during investigations at the school.
A spokesman said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service carries out a routine programme of fire safety audits to monitor and improve legislative compliance and to reduce the risk within many non-domestic premises across Scotland.
“In this instance, the local authority has requested an additional visit be carried out which will be undertaken.
“Whilst local authorities across Scotland have the responsibility for checking the types of building materials used in nondomestic premises, specialist SFRS officers are working in partnership with local authority staff to provide appropriate support to this process.
“In addition, the Scottish Government has ordered a review of fire legislation and building regulations which the SFRS will contribute towards.
“The SFRS is available to support communities wherever possible.”
Christina Mckelvie, MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, said there was “no room for complacency” and welcomed the council’s action.
She said: “Since the tragic events of Grenfell Tower, the Scottish Government and I immediately wrote to South Lanarkshire Council to seek assurances over our estates and what panels have been used on these buildings.
“With Glengowan Primary School being the only school estate throughout South Lanarkshire to have these aluminium panels fitted, we must stress that these are not the same product as those fitted in Grenfell and I have received considerable assurance over the safety of Glengowan Primary School.
“Nevertheless and with no hesitation, the safety of our children is absolutely paramount. I thank South Lanarkshire Council for taking such a pro-active approach to the queries I have raised.
“I want to reassure all my constituents that our buildings continue to be subject to the most stringent of testing. There is absolutely no room for complacency when it comes to fire safety.”
The council’s review was also welcomed by independent Larkhall councillor Jackie Burns, who said: “I believe the council reacted quickly to look at all recently-built schools and refurbished flats.
“I am assured that every precaution is being taken in ensuring Glengowan Primary School meets all safety standards, and that additional checks and measures are also being taken.
“Parents and staff should be assured that if any problems are identified they will be dealt with urgently, and the council will communicate this with the school community.”
It is not considered that these panels present any particular safety concerns Danny Lowe